THEBUSINESSBYTES BUREAU

PARADIP, SEPTEMBER 28, 2026

Paradip Port Authority (PPA) mounted a coordinated emergency response to rescue the disabled crude palm oil tanker MT SEAGULL 9, ensuring the safety of the vessel, its crew, cargo and the marine environment, officials said on Monday.

The vessel, carrying around 9,000 tonnes of crude palm oil for Paradip Port on behalf of Adani Wilmar, developed a main engine failure while sailing around 35 nautical miles from the Paradip Pilot Station. The tanker, operated with M/s Atlantic Global Shipping Pvt Ltd as its agent, was also listing by around 10 degrees following water ingress into its ballast tanks.

As the rate of water ingress exceeded the de-ballasting capacity, immediate assistance was required. The shipping agency first alerted the authorities at 5:01 AM on September 27, with the communication marked to the Indian Coast Guard, Directorate General of Shipping and Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC).

The MRCC subsequently forwarded the request to Indian Coast Guard Headquarters-7 at 6:21 AM for necessary assistance. At 9:29 AM, the Coast Guard communicated with DGCOMMCENTRE for suitable emergency support.

Following the request, DGMA/DGCOMMCENTRE granted permission at 10:33 AM for deployment of a Paradip Port Authority harbour tug, with a pilot holding a Master FG Certificate on board, to assist the distressed tanker.

PPA immediately mobilised Harbour Tug Dolphin 25. Between 10:30 AM and 1:40 PM, the tug was equipped with fresh water, towing ropes and other essential equipment before casting off from the jetty at 1:40 PM. The operation was coordinated along with Harbour Master Captain Indraneel Mukherjee.

Dolphin 25 reached MT SEAGULL 9 at 5:24 PM. An external assessment of the vessel was completed within minutes, and the response team boarded the tanker at 5:30 PM. The towing procedure was explained to the bridge team at 5:45 PM, following which the tow connection was initiated. The tow line was securely connected at 5:54 PM and towing commenced at 5:55 PM.

The emergency operation involved close coordination among Paradip Port Authority, Directorate General of Shipping, Indian Coast Guard, Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre, M/s Ocean Sparkle Limited and other stakeholders, with support and coordination from the Indian Navy and Indian Coast Guard.

The disabled tanker was subsequently brought safely within Paradip Port limits and entered the harbour with minimum engine assistance. It was safely secured at NQ2 at around 4 PM on Monday, with no further incident reported.

The operation was carried out under the guidance of Capt A C Sahoo, Deputy Conservator, Paradip Port Authority. Captain S B Panigrahi also facilitated the necessary assistance for the safe berthing of the vessel.

PPA Chairperson Susanta Kumar Purohit congratulated the marine officers, pilots, tug crew and all stakeholders involved in the operation for their timely coordination, professionalism and collective efforts.

Purohit appreciated the coordinated maritime response, which ensured the safe arrival and berthing of MT SEAGULL 9 while protecting the vessel, crew, cargo and marine environment.

Paradip Port Authority said it remains committed to safe, efficient and coordinated maritime operations and to providing timely assistance during maritime emergencies.